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Guide to 7 Spectacular Hiking Trails in Moab, Utah

Red rocked wall with sunset upon it.

Moab, Utah is an outdoor lover’s paradise. There are endless activities to do here – from backcountry camping trips and rafting to hiking and canyoneering. You could easily spend months here exploring all there is to offer. However, if you have limited time, you’ll want to see the best spots during your visit, which certainly includes hiking trails. Here is your guide to 7 spectacular hiking trails in Moab, Utah.

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Jonathan, in a green sweater and white pants, stands on a red rock. Behind him is a rock cave with opening to bright blue sky. guide to 7 spectacular hiking trails in moab, utah.
Windows Loop Trail

1. Windows Loop/Turret Arch Trail

  • Location: Arches National Park
  • Distance/Elevation Gain: 1.2 miles, 154 feet loop
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Details: This easy loop hike packs a punch in a short amount of time. You’ll pass by Turret Arch & also the 2 arch “windows” that make up this trail’s name. It’s relatively flat and has beautiful views the entire way.

Caroline, in a hat, green sweatshirt and black pants, walks along a red dirt trail. Blue sky and green juniper bush in the background.
Professor Creek Trail

2. Professor Creek/Mary Jane Canyon Trail

  • Location: Along Highway 128 (The Upper Colorado River Scenic Byway)
  • Distance/Elevation Gain: 7.6 miles, 541 feet out & back
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Details: While this hike is a longer one, the elevation gain is pretty mild. This is one of the more unique trails in the area, with multiple stream crossings, a waterfall at the end, a small “slot” canyon, and also views of the towering rocks above you.

blue sky background with red rounded rocks. guide to 7 spectacular hiking trails in moab, utah
Fiery Furnace

3. Fiery Furnace/Surprise Arch

  • Location: Arches National Park
  • Distance/Elevation Gain: 2.1 miles, 492 feet loop
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Details: This hike might be the best one on this list. To visit here, you either have to obtain an individual permit (only a small amount released each day) or go on a ranger led hike. Fiery Furnace is especially unique as it is a natural maze within a small slot canyon. You’ll do lots of scrambling and maybe get lost a little bit, but the hidden gems you’ll find are amazing!

distant snowy mountains with canyon and red rock in foreground. small green juniper bushes line the hiking trail.
White Rim Overlook Trail

4. White Rim Overlook Trail

  • Location: Canyonlands National Park
  • Distance/Elevation Gain: 1.8 miles, 160 feet out & back
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Details: An easy hike within the national park that takes you to a stunning overlook. You can see the distant snow capped mountains in the background as well as the depth of the canyon here.

Keep reading for the remainder of the guide to 7 spectacular hiking trails in Moab, Utah.

Jonathan, in a pink hat, blue shirt and tan pants, walks on a road with red towering rocks in the background. guide to 7 spectacular hiking trails in moab, utah.
Highway 128 with Fisher’s Tower in Background

5. Fisher Towers Trail

  • Distance/Elevation Gain: 4.2 miles, 1469 feet out & back
  • Difficulty: Hard
  • Details: Another spectacular hiking option that isn’t in one of the National Parks. The rock formations here aren’t like anything else in the area, so it’s a change from the other options on this list. Be sure to go early/later as it gets very hot here and there is little shade!

Queso, a gray, white and black dog, stands at the edge of a large canyon that is red in color. distant snow capped mountains and blue sky form the background.
East/West Rim Loop Trail

6. Shafer, Meander and Basin Overlooks/East and West Rim Loop

  • Location: Dead Horse Point State Park
  • Distance/Elevation Gain: 5.2 miles, 875 feet loop
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Details: This loop trail in Dead Horse Point State Park gives you marvelous views of both sides of the canyon that surround the park. It also has several small offshoots that take you to beautiful overlook points. Additionally, you can just do one side of the rim if you are looking for an easier option (east rim is better!)

Park Avenue Trail

7. Park Avenue Trail

  • Location: Arches National Park
  • Distance/Elevation Gain: 1.8 miles, 298 feet out & back
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Details: Last, but not least, is this very mild hike located near the entrance of Arches National Park. It has nice canyon views, which is a great option for starting off your trip through this national park! Just a note: Arches requires a timed entry reservation April – October, so be sure to do that before visiting.

Enjoy these 7 spectacular hiking trails in Moab, Utah!

For additional information on this beautiful state, check out our other guides to Utah.

Caroline & Jonathan

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